About

$2,948

pledged of $2,800 goal

97

backers

Lords of the Cosmos is a comic book. But it's more than that - it's a labor of love. More of a love letter, actually.

A love letter to action figures, Saturday morning cartoons, prizes in cereal boxes, and cheap comic books your mom would throw out. This is our nod to the days of heroes and villains, of monsters and mayhem.

Whether you’re just getting old or you were an old soul born forty years too late, this comic is for you – in all its overblown, heavy-handed glory. We call Lords of the Cosmos a “1980’s fever dream,” where the bad guys wore impractical armor and the soundtracks were rocking. By the powers of Greyskull and all that is truly outrageous, we hope you enjoy reading this first issue as much as we did making it.

So, pour some sugar cereal and sit too close to the TV. Or, ask one of your “old” friends; they’ll tell you of this magical time, decades ago. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll get a little weepy eyed for the original Transformers movie. Yeah, it was a cartoon, and it was awesome.

Sincerely,

The Creators of Lords Of The Cosmos

Lords of the Cosmos - Issue #1 Cover

Fine. Enough memory lane.

We're raising money to complete Lords of the Cosmos #1, a super-issue of comic mayhem for fans of those great 1980's action-adventure properties that influence so much of what modern comics, movies, and toys have become.

The story so far

Lords Of The Cosmos is the tale of the exotic planet Aiden, a planet lost to space and time, where all manner of escaped supervillains, heinous inter-dimensional demons, exiled Earth gods, ancient biowiazrds and corrupt war kings struggle on a hostile world that is the under the control of a sentient, planet-wide machine. Sound fun? It isn't. But it makes for a heckuva story.

We've assembled a team of artists, inkers, comic book publishers, sci-fi authors, Hollywood screenwriters, graphic wizards, independent toy makers, and some seriously hardcore fans who are giving their time and resources to bring you a double-sized issue that's the opening salvo to an EPIC story.

A year ago, Jason Lenox, UGLI STUDIOS owner and creator, released a small anthology - 14 pages of which were a comic about evil supervillains, and those few pages were so well received, we decided to open the vaults, dig into our sketchbooks and character designs, and unleash on the world the true breadth and scope of this science fiction/fantasy universe we've lovingly created.

What's included in issue #1

a 21-page main story, featuring seven pages of brand new material, along with an increased backstory and new lettering for all the pages.

three brand new stand alone short stories that total 14 pages. featuring some of the side characters and historical events from the world of Aiden (which is the planet where Lords Of The Cosmos takes place, if you're keeping track)

brand new pinups, variant sketch covers and full-color toy packaging are also included in this first issue

Talk is cheap. Lemme see for myself.

Check out some unlettered pages, sketchbook designs and works in progress:

Umex plots his revenge with his generals

From "Eyes of the Machine"

From "The Revenge Of Cy-Corn"

Tentakill battles Shredtooth in "Tales of the Nightsea"

That's just a bit of the cosmic mayhem we'll be unleashing in issue #1 (with some awesome pinups, too!)

Plunder. Loot. Treasure. One-eyed Willie's rich stuff, ya know?

Look to your right, dear traveler, and feast your eyes on our rewards! There are plenty of ways to pick up some original art and sketch covers while backing this campaign at the same time. There are also some really unique opportunities to have Jason Lenox conduct private portfolio reviews or art classes for your group.

We've got a chance to get custom made characters drawn up based on our own backers, even got an option to appear IN issue four. You can even pick what side you want to be on, depending on how heroic (or villainous) you're feeling.

Jason Lenox, being a benevolent overlord, is even sharing some of his private stock of artist t-shirts from his aggressively-titled "Draw or Die" collection.

T-shirt (front)

For the "hand-drawn" crowd, UGLI COMICS founder Jason Lenox will also be doing variant sketch covers with your own, personalized cover of issue #1. He's a madman with his pen and ink, and you won't be disappointed!

Variant sketch cover

And, for the first time ever, you can get custom handmade toys based on the Lords of the Cosmos! They even come with display-worthy custom toy packaging art (not an actual package) to whisk you back in time to when you would stand in the toy isle, lusting over that new action figure - before mom would tell you "Put it down! I'm not buying you anymore ugly monster toys!"

Well, mom, you can't stop me now. Here are some samples of the work:

There are lots of heroes and villains you can choose from, and we're proud to partner with custom toy maker Erich Adie, who's been hard at work like a mad scientist in his garage, crafting mayhem.

Erich Adie's Toy Sculpt of "Mordantix"

If we reach $8000: ISSUE 2!

Issue two has already been penciled, we just need to ink and letter it. But be warned, Earthling - things take a dark turn in issue #2, as Umex and his vicious cohorts attack the peaceful planet Aiden. If we reach $8000, issue 2 gets fast-tracked into production and upon completion, will be mailed free to all backers of $25 or more!

Issue #2 (pencils)

All 1980's nostalgia and battlelust aside, this is a comic created by professionals - we take this seriously, even though we're having fun. The project creators come from around the country, all united under the Lords Of The Cosmos banner. Below is our personal rogue's gallery:

Jason Lenox - co-creator/pencils main story/cover inks- LOTC #1 is Jason's 5th comic book. He has done work for independent comics, roleplaying games, freelance projects, as well as having art appear in an independent tribeca film. He specializes in horror, sci fi and dark fantasy artwork

Jason Palmatier - co-creator/writer - Jason is a science fiction author from State College, PA. His short fiction can be found in the anthology Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs Aliens. Jason is co-creator of the epic historical fantasy series "Plague" and is currently finishing off his near-future, sci-fi novel, War Mind

DF Marin - main story/cover inks

Dani Kaulakis - cover colors and layout

Dave Sharpe- letterer

Joe Freistuhler- Bonesaw backup artist

Dave Newbold- Shredtooth backup artist

Zachary Brunner - Cycorn backup artist

Chris Ring- pinup artist

DJ Coffman- pinup artist

areyoshi- pinup artist

Erich Adie- custom toy creation

Jim Russell - mechanical and architectural designs

Keith Krick - toy photography

Jared Brown - toy packaging graphic design

Enrico Carnevale- Kickstarter header illustrations

Taylor Bieliecki- digital layout interiors

Norman Benford- proofreader, editor, marketing support

Risks and challenges

Lords of the Cosmos #1 is approximately 90% complete. The money used from this campaign will pay for inking, printing, rewards shipping, letterers, and writing.

Jason Lenox has successfully funded SEVEN Kickstarter campaigns, delivering them all on time as promised. You are backing the work of a team of passionate professionals who love this project, treasure our childhood memories, and want to share our passion with a new generation of comic fans.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge $1 or more
About $1.00

Tip Jar

You appreciate the hard work that goes into creating independent comics, and would like to receive updates about the project. Your name will be listed in the book as a contributor and you'll receive an exclusive Lords of the Cosmos computer wallpaper at the close of the campaign.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

Three-book Value Pack

You'll receive a signed copy of Lords of the Cosmos #1, and your choice of two of Jason's previous books (includes comic books and art books) to be selected AT END OF CAMPAIGN. Also included in this reward tier- a contributor credit, and the wallpaper.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

The Digital Mother Lode

For people who hate shipping! This includes Lords of the Cosmos Issue #1, the wallpaper and the entire digital collection of UGLI STUDIOS comics, as well as Jason Lenox's entire roster of illustrated mayhem. This is the best deal of the bunch, you'll be busy having nightmares for weeks with all the good stuff in this bundle. (approx. 7 books in all). Content! Content! Content!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $65 or more
About $65

Early Bird - Sketch Cover + T-shirt

You know a great deal when you see it! You'll receive two signed copies of Lords of the Cosmos #1, one which will feature an original sketch on the variant sketch cover. You may select a single character for the sketch or elect for artist's choice (you won't be disappointed!) You'll also receive a 2016 Draw or Die t-shirt, a contributor credit, and the wallpaper.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

Custom Variant Sketch Cover + T-shirt

You'll receive two signed copies of Lords of the Cosmos #1, one which will feature an original sketch on the variant sketch cover. You may select a single character for the sketch or elect for artist's choice (you won't be disappointed!) You'll also receive a 2016 Draw or Die t-shirt, a contributor credit, and the wallpaper.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $80 or more
About $80

Retailer Package

You'll receive 15 copies of Lords of the Cosmos #1, a signed 8.5 x 11 Umex Print and a special shout-out promoting your website in the book. You'll also receive a contributor credit, and the wallpaper.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $125 or more
About $125

Original Art Package

You'll receive an 11 x 17 penciled piece of interior comic art. You may elect for a personalized greeting if you so desire. You'll also receive a signed copy of Lords of the Cosmos #1, contributor credit in the book, and the wallpaper.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $125 or more
About $125

Joe Freistuhler Original Art

Joe is the artist on the Bonesaw short story, and he enjoyed working on the character so much he wanted to make an original piece of pen and ink artwork on 9x12 toned paper as a one of a kind reward for one of his fans! You'll also receive a signed copy of Lords of the Cosmos #1, 8.5 x 11 Umex Print, contributor credit in the book, and the wallpaper

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

Original Art/Sketch Cover/Print Package

You'll receive an 11 x 17 penciled piece of interior comic art. You may elect for a personalized greeting if you so desire. You'll also receive two signed copies of Lords of the Cosmos #1, one which will feature an original sketch on the variant sketch cover, a signed 8.5 x 11 Umex Print, contributor credit in the book, and the wallpaper.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Art Lesson + Portfolio Critique w/ Jason

Private art lesson and portfolio critique for you and a friend. Jason will travel up to 100 miles for a two-hour art session with you and up to four of your friends. Talk shop, ask questions, sketch together, and have your portfolio reviewed. You'll also get a signed copy of Lords of the Cosmos #1, and a 2016 Draw or Die t-shirt. This unique opportunity is only available to those within 100 miles of State College, PA.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Original Cover Art Package

Receive the penciled black and white cover of Lords of the Cosmos #1. You may elect for a personalized greeting if you so desire. You'll also receive a signed copy of Lords of the Cosmos #1, 8.5 x 11 Umex Print, contributor credit in the book, and the wallpaper. Note that the cover is digitally inked and colored, you are receiving penciled Umex art only, no inks, no colors, no logo.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $425 or more
About $425

Custom Lords of the Cosmos Sculpture

You'll receive a custom sculpture hand crafted by talented customizer and artist Erich Adie, of one of the characters from LORDS OF THE COSMOS! Figure availability may vary. You'll also receive a signed copy of Lords of the Cosmos #1, contributor credit in the book, and the wallpaper.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

Be a HERO! (or a VILLAIN)

Wanna be part of the action, literally? Help us make the story complete - Jason will draw you, in hero of villain form, and you'll be part of the epic showdown in issue #4! You may be brutally killed or barely survive, but you'll be immortalized in cyberwarrior, biowizard, death cult glory! (non speaking part, but Jason may draw you giving a glorious battle cry!) You'll also receive a signed copy of Lords of the Cosmos #1, your choice of two of Jason's previous books (to be selected AT END OF CAMPAIGN), a contributor credit, and the wallpaper.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

Art Seminar Experience

Jason Lenox will deliver an in-person two-hour seminar and Q/A on art and comics to your class or group. You'll receive 20 signed copies of Lords of the Cosmos #1, and 20 2016 t-shirts. This unique opportunity is only available to those within 200 miles of State College, PA.